JDY

Hehe

Henry-esque.

Something is a bit odd. The 28th of December in Spain is the equivalent of April Fools Day, and we are linked with 3 players in the Spanish Press.

Benítez started David Luiz in midfield against Monterrey in the Club World Cup semi-final but he moved him back to centre-half, where supporters have grown accustomed to seeing him, for the final against Corinthians. He said the reason was because it would have been too physically demanding to ask the 25-year-old to play twice in four days in midfield. His fitness programmes have been geared to his use at the back and Benítez and his staff feared he "would not have the same fresh legs and it would be more difficult" for him in midfield against Corinthians. http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/21/john-terry-david-luiz-midfield-chelsea

It's going too far saying he was 'shit' or had a 'terrible game'. The entire team didn't get into second gear, they didn't even need to. Norwich offered nothing going forward except the odd set piece. Their main threat was down the flanks and we defended that well with Cole & Azpil. At the end of the day we did what we needed to do and nothing more, anyone can look at the stats and form an opinion on a performance. Atleast apply a bit of common sense before doing so.

Think he's referring to the use of stats in situations when they are not needed or relevant. They are of course useful, but don't often tell the whole story.

Can't see United buying him this window. Their team is incredibly imbalanced and I would've thought their priority would be signing a midfielder alongside Carrick. If they get anyone from Dortmund this window I would put money on it being Sven Bender.

Can't really make a judgement on his attitude but his body language on the pitch always annoyed me. You can tell he's really self confident but it sometimes comes across as arrogant.

To be fair to Walcott, he's started as many times as a centre forward as Sturridge has for us. I'm all for bringing him in as an alternative to Torres.

Got into the Bridge like 1 minute late and missed his goal zzzz. Looked decent after though, some nice touches.

Has anyone got the link from the official Chelsea website when Sturridge signed for us?

Love watching him play. He times his tackles expertly.

Would prefer Llorente in January and Lewandowski in the summer but that's just me.

This isn't true. Barring the three likely departures of Paulo, Malouda, and Hilario our 25 man squad consists of 9 non HG players. If you look at it from next seasons perspective, De Bruyne will return and Hazard will have to be registered as he's over 21 years old. Added to that, Essien will return but his future is still uncertain. That's 12 non HG players in the squad, plus the 5 HG players; Turnbull, Bertrand, Terry, Cahill, Moses. I wouldn't be surprised if they promote Blackman to 3rd choice and send Courtois on loan to a PL club. Take your pick for the two remaining spots, I think we'll go for Walcott if Sturridge leaves, and probably name another reserve/youth player in the squad (Saville). That's only 20 players, we didn't even name a full 25 man squad this season and were still fine regarding the HG quota. We have 5 slots to sign whoever we want from anywhere we want. There is no HG crisis if Cole, Lampard, and Sturridge leave.

Haven't seen much of him. Apparently he has been excellent this season though, but Isco is getting all the praise?

Would be great seeing Azpil and Coentrao down either flank under Guardiola.

I wouldn't say £15m-20m is too expensive. In comparison to other options at left back, Baines would be a similar price. Plus, a move to Madrid is seen as one of the biggest moves a player can make. Generally after you leave them, the fee is less than Madrid paid. Recent examples being Sneijder, Robben, and Huntelaar. The only exception being Robinho.

Would be extremely happy with Capoue and Llorente. A LB and CF (Lewand) can wait until the summer.

Definitely. More to his game, and more suited to our style of play. Cheaper & younger. Can only see it in the summer though.

Neither has Arda Turan, and a host of other important players have hardly featured in the EL. Wouldn't read much into it.

I really want Belgium U17's to make it to the UEFA European U17 Championship this summer so I can see Musonda Jr. & Co. The only problem is to get in the finals they have to top their elite group, a group consisting of Spain, France, and Croatia. The toughest of the lot for sure.

With the money quoted to get Falcao we could get Lewandowski, Coentrao, Llorente, and Capoue. Keeping in mind De Bruyne's return, Lamps & Cole likely to leave (Maybe Torres). I know what I'd rather happen. We need to strengthen in numerous positions, signing Falcao alone wouldn't solve our problems.

I think the quoted price stems from the fact that in the summer he will have one year left on his contract, just like Kagawa did. If he becomes available for anything around £20m I'd take him in a heartbeat, especially over £48m for a 27/28 year old Falcao (And when Lewand is more suited to our team).

raphael honigstein ‏@honigsteinIn other news, Dortmund trying to sign a RB and CF in January. 90% chance Lewandowski will leave in the summer Imagine if we got him and Llorente in the summer, along with a different option like Sturridge (If he stays). Would go from a completely toothless attack to one of the best in Europe.

Some papers linking him with us now. Not surprised.